Fisherfolk in Pola, Oriental Mindoro are suffering income and livelihood losses after an oil tanker sank; the government aims to finish cleanup in less than four months.

The fisherfolk of Pola in Oriental Mindoro are suffering significant losses in income and livelihood following an oil spill that occurred over a month ago. The estimated loss per day is said to be P130m ($2.6m) and 4,800 fisherfolk and their families have been affected by a fishing ban. A rapid impact assessment revealed that 86.5% of residents are not satisfied with the government’s cash-for-work programme, as it is insufficient. Mayor Jennifer Cruz has presented alternative long-term livelihood programmes to the president, which will be implemented with the help of various governmental departments.